How Does Botox Work? 10 Common Botox Questions Answered

Ever looked in the mirror and dreaded seeing wrinkles? If this happened to you, it’s likely you considered Botox treatment.

Why is it that Botox is still popular considering how far technology has gone since then? Well, we can’t deny that it still is an effective way to reduce or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles.

Then, is it safe, does it last long, and is it expensive to get a Botox treatment? How does Botox work and how does it prevent wrinkles?

Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more, then see if it’s right for you.

1. How Does Botox Work?

Botox targets the root cause of lines in the face – muscle contractions. Smiling, frowning, squinting, and such acts cause repeated muscle contractions in the eye and mouth areas. This then leads to crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead lines, and so on.

Upon injection of Botox, it blocks the nerve signals to the said muscles, causing them to relax. The result is the reduced appearance and prevention of wrinkles.

2. Is It Right for Me?

Your qualification for a Botox treatment doesn’t only depend on the appearance of wrinkles. Some in their 20’s might do it for preventative measures, while teens can opt for the procedure for reasons other than preventing and getting rid of fine lines.

If you have wrinkles, though, this procedure is perfect for you. There are many who do it over and over again even beyond a decade, so age doesn’t matter all that much. Even if you’re 60 years young, it’s never too late to get Botox injections!

3 Will It Make My Face Look Unnatural?

Seeing frozen and stiff faces might scare away people who have an interest in the procedure. However, this is not the usual result of a Botox treatment. The fault likely lies on the injector’s technique as with most results that turn out to be bad.

That’s why it’s important to seek treatment from a licensed and trained expert. The best Botox provider will be able to make it look natural.

Botox should make you look like you with fewer lines. In general, no one should be able to tell that you’ve had anything done on your face.

4. How Long Before the Treatment Takes Effect?

After injection, the protein binds to the nerve endings to relax the muscles in 30 minutes or so, but don’t expect your wrinkles to disappear right away. It starts to block the communication between nerves and muscles between 3 – 7 days. You should be able to see the results by then.

Sometimes, you’ll start to see the results on your fine lines and wrinkles in as soon as 24 to 48 hours.

5. How Long Does It Last?

The effects of Botox are not permanent. Muscle action will return after some time, which means that fine lines and wrinkles will return in due course. The timeline varies with every patient, but on average, the effects will last for 3 to 6 months.

To enjoy being wrinkle-free all year long, you’ll need to have Botox injections every now and then. The frequency will depend on how long it lasts for you.

The wrinkles will start to appear less pronounced over time, though. Your muscles will start to shrink in time.

6. Do Botox Injections Hurt?

The Botox itself does not hurt, but the needle will cause some pain on the injection site. The pain isn’t unlike what you’d feel from getting injections. Still, having a Botox injection between the eyebrows would hurt a little bit more.

If your pain tolerance is low, it’s worth getting a doctor who can minimize the pain. They usually have techniques to insert the needle without hurting the patient.

Some doctors would also apply topical anesthesia or ice to numb the area 10 minutes prior.

7. Are There Any Side Effects?

Some common side effects of Botox are slight bruising and redness on the area. These are temporary, they only last for a couple of hours.

Headaches following the procedure is a rare side effect, although it’s not a cause for concern. It will go away on its own within 24 hours or so.

Other possible side effects include the weakness of the muscles as well as drooping eyelids. The latter is usually due to Botox moving around, so we recommend not to rub the area for at least 12 hours. This effect will disappear within 3 weeks, though.

8. How Much Does It Cost?

The price of a Botox treatment is per unit, which averages between $10 and $20 per unit depending on the location and expertise of the injector.

Some doctors will charge a fixed amount per zone and not by the number of units. For example, they would charge you a fixed price for the forehead and then a separate fee if you also want to treat your crow’s feet.

9. How Long Before I Can Resume Work and Exercise?

Botox has minimal downtime; in general, it’s safe to return to work and to your regular schedule a few hours after the treatment. Do note that bruising and redness might still be visible during this time.

It’s best to avoid any heavy lifting and other strenuous exercises up to 24 hours, though. Lying down within 4 hours following the procedure is also not recommended as it might cause the Botox to migrate to unintended areas.

10. Will Insurance Pay for Botox?

Insurance will not cover Botox cosmetic injections, but depending on your coverage and the medical necessity of the procedure can change that. Check with your insurance provider for the details of your coverage.

Relive Your Wrinkle-Free Days Now

Now that you know what is Botox and how does Botox work, you should now be confident that it’s an effective and safe treatment for your fine lines and wrinkles. It’s time to bring back your youthful face – book an appointment with us now or contact us if you have any more questions.